“Are our preparations complete?” Asked Cyrus Cullep.

“Yes, my lord, but are you sure this is what’s best?” Replied his Paulet.

“It no longer matters what’s best. Did you see what they turned my little boy into?” Queried a now angrier Cyrus.

“That thing is Efimeo?!” Asked his shocked mistress.

“Yes. That twisted monstrosity is what’s left of my only son. The only one to blame for this is some upstart champion of a forgotten god. Mark my words, he will rue the day he attended the palace. I even received word that those fool assassins failed in their first attempt. They assure me I’ll get my money’s worth. It doesn’t matter. That was a plan doomed to fail anyway. I will confront him at the ball where he wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me. I want to see his eyes when he realizes who he has crossed. Once he begins begging me for his life, then and only then will I give him to my son.” Cyrus explained as he got out of bed and began dressing.

“How will you get him out of the Palace?” Asked Paulet.

“I am a man of means. Being thrown off the council hasn’t lessened my influence in other arenas. I still have friends in high places.” Cyrus answered peering out of his window at the Mages Guild Tower in the central district.

The rest of party stepped through the gates into the guildhall, but Ralph stopped Deacon on the street. They stepped off to the side to have a quick conversation. Deacon could tell from the look in his eyes he was worried about something. Once they were off the main drag, Ralph seemed to be working up the courage to ask something.

“Ok, out with it?” Deacon said.

“You said something when you all got back from Clayton that I didn’t understand. Something about a Vendetta.” Ralph began.

“It’s a different kind of quest that reverts you to a single minded animal the longer you take to complete it. I had one early on when I first got here. I managed to complete it in a few days. Originally, I was given a year. I’ve been concerned about Amanda’s behavior recently. She was taking odd risks, like that stunt with the Rock Troll. She just put her arm in its mouth. There had to be a better way to deliver the poison. It could have easily snapped her arm off if it just thought to bite down. Then the level of aggression with known Ruby sympathizers. At first, I couldn’t tell if it was just who she was, but it became sharper, more focused when it came to things about Ruby. So I asked. The fact that she only has six months left surprised me. Let’s keep focused. Let’s not get caught up in any shenanigans while we are here and beat feet to the Shattered Sky. Agreed?” Deacon asked.

“Agreed. But I am worried. I noticed some of the same things you are mentioning. She is a woman of incredible focus, but this trip has given her an edge that I’ve never seen before. Also what’s going on between you and our little mage?” Ralph asked.

“Not sure. He also exhibited some bizarre behavior in Clayton. Snapping at me and generally being a wang about things. I tell you I don’t like that town. I’d appreciate it if you’d talk to him. Try to figure out what’s wrong.” Deacon said.

“Can do. Now let’s update this damn Guild and get going.” Ralph said nodding in the direction of the gate.

Out of nowhere an arrow slammed into the ground between them. There was a small sack attached to it that began billowing a rancid smoke. Both Deacon and Ralph started retching where they stood. Deacon heard the tell tale scrape of metal being freed from a scabbard as Ralph drew his weapon against someone. Without being able to see clearly, Deacon relied on his aura to feel around him. Ralph was engaged in duel with his opponent clearly on top as he was on his back foot. Deacon felt a thud on the back of his head quickly followed by arms wrapping around his waist.

He was picked up and hauled away as his assailant easily carried his weight at full sprint. Deacon tried to ghost his way out of the man’s grasp but felt a sharp pinch from his sides during the attempt. Apparently, he was wearing some kind of enchanted gloves that kept his grip firm. His passive options expended he drove his elbow down into the back of the man’s head. They both went sprawling onto the ground just before an open door. Deacon wiped the tears from his eyes to see the rest of his party clearing the gas from around Ralph with a gust of wind from Tantus. Elle was up on the gate of the guild house firing arrows across the street at someone on a rooftop. This gave Deacon the opportunity to look at whoever tried a snatch and grab on him. It was that same bruiser from when they entered the city. Dirt encrusted clothes and all. He was rubbing the back of his head. His hand came away bloody and he got back to his feet on spaghetti legs. Deacon was surprised that precise hit didn’t kill him.

“Mike, we lost the element of surprise. Let’s go.” Yelled someone from inside the house.

Deacon was having none of that. This was twice this jackass tried to abduct him. He swept his right leg along the ground to drop the big man, but it was like kicking a solid wall. The man stumbled from the force of Deacon’s strike but didn’t topple over like he expected. A black hand the size of a kitchen table reached out from the darkness of the doorway and grabbed Mike’s soiled tunic. They both disappeared in a wisp of dark energy. The door seemed to slam shut on its own.

“The fuck you will!” Deacon screamed finally deciding to stand up. He kicked the door into splinters and Dragon Claw Barraged everything in sight. His charge ended halfway through a staircase, and he fell ten feet into a basement. There were sounds of his friends yelling for him upstairs. He looked around down here seeing nothing but barrels. These barrels had something leaking from them. With his soul sight he could see there was an oily substance dripping from the seams in the wood.

“Deacon, you need to get out of this house now.” Came the voice of shadow Typhus.

He didn’t need anymore encouragement. He tried to ghost through the wall and rebounded back. Then he heard someone trying to spark a piece of flint somewhere in the darkness. Deacon sprinted toward what was left of the stairs and jumped triggering Spectral Dash at the apex. That helped him clear the hole and rebound off the far war toward the door. Hitting the ground at speed he dove through doorway as the basement was set ablaze. Dark smoke began billowing out of the doorway as Deacon landed in Armand’s waiting arms.

“What ever would I have done if you weren’t here to save me?” Deacon said in a high pitched voice while miming fanning himself. Armand just dropped him in the street.

“Got any water spells left kid?” Ralph asked Tantus.

“I’ll try my best.” Tantus said before the whole building went up dried kindling.

“What the hell was that?” Elle asked.

“Tar Blood of the Deep.” Typhus said. All eyes were on him now.

“What?” Deacon said dusting off his pants as he once again got to his feet.

“It burns fast and takes everything it touches with it. They must have sprayed the whole place with it. Good thing it doesn’t spread fire. In small doses it’s meant to get coal fires and forges started. Using as much as my shadow saw in the basement, that could flash fry a building. Obviously.” Typhus explained.

“What kind of kidnapping erases the building they run into?” Armand asked.

“It wasn’t their destination. That was a trap for whoever followed. If Typhus hadn’t warned us, we’d all be dead right now.” Amanda answered.

“Who the fuck are these guys?” Deacon asked.

“I don’t know but we better get off the street. We are drawing attention.” Amanda said.

“You don’t think the three quarters of missing building isn’t going to draw attention?” Ralph asked.

“Enough. I will explain this to the guard who are running toward us right now. You all get situated inside the guild. Typhus after you complete your business inside, I want you to put out some feelers. We need more information. Deacon, you go nowhere alone.” Armand said as Elle flew down to join them all.

“I’ve got worse news. The one on the roof was the same guy we dropped off with the guard earlier today. He managed to hide in the crowd a few blocks away, but I got a good look at him before that. Whoever is after you is well connected and has enough resources to set two ambushes for you in a matter of hours. I’m worried.” Elle said after she shifted back to elf form.

“Aye, too quick and too well coordinated.” Typhus concurred as they began to cross the road again. This time people kept a wide birth from the party that just erased most of a building.

They all made it inside where they were met by a red skinned elf male. He opened the doors to the guild proper and ushered them all in. Once inside introductions were made.

“I am Guild Master Portus Ren. The founder counseled us about your arrival. I have to say your reputation proceeds you. Would you like to tell me what that shit show was all about?” Portus asked raising his voice at the end.

“No clue. I just got here.” Deacon said meeting his yellow eyes.

“It’s true Guild Master Ren, we have experienced two attempts to capture Deacon since we arrived this morning. It’s barely supper time and they tried again.” Typhus explained.

“Then let’s get the pleasantries out of the way. Welcome to the capital of the Griffin Kingdom. You have several messages waiting for you at the teller. He won’t stop squawking at me about them. But first please place your hand on the guild’s Master Slate. We can transfer your class and build to all of the guildhalls from here so you can continue your training in any region. We will also be able to offer the class to others that may choose it.” Portus explained with most of the fire gone from his voice.

“Yea this city is a real piece of work.” Deacon said as he lay his hand on the slate that immediately began flashing all the colors of the rainbow.

Guild Wide Message: A forgotten class has been added to the guild records. The class Nether Monk is now available to any guildmember with an Earthbound race or higher. Mortal Plane races will not survive the rigors of this class.

Guild Wide Message: The following subclass has been unlocked for training by the guild. Nian of Five hells. This is a subclass of Monk.

You have reached level Nineteen; You have one undistributed attribute point.

“Holy shit! I just hit level nineteen.” Deacon exclaimed.

“What?!” Typhus said wide eyed.

“I agree with your Deep Dweller companion. Based on what the founder told me you should only be levels fifteen through seventeen. Your leveling progress is astounding. On to more important matters. I have seen the kingdom notice about subclasses, but this is the first time I’m seeing someone with one. I would like to review the benefits with you at some point in the future.” Portus said.

“You’ve got at least two more get. You might want to choose wisely. Mine is very focused.” Deacon replied.

The rest of his party all did the same getting one specific color from the slate for their subclass submissions. The slate color went wild when the first of the Cardinal Unit placed their hand on it. Everyone received a guild notice for each of the three Unique Specializations they had. Everyone except Tantus. He was part of another guild and didn’t get any of the notices.

The group decided to retire to a room the Teller provided. The Teller in this guild hall was similar but different from the one back on Iron Mountain. While it was still a leprechaun, this one was female. She made it clear that Deacon’s investments have been helping her whole clan. She even got her girlish figure back thanks to him. She delivered the letters left for Deacon and gave him a key to one of the rooms on the sixth floor. Deacon made it clear he had room for everyone. Armand refused to sleep in a dungeon and said he would retire to his family property here in the city.

Once all of that was settled and Alfred was up and running, they all decided to take a few hours off. They made Deacon promise not to go anywhere. Elle even asked Alfred if he could make a forested patch outside of Deacon’s mansion. He agreed after Elle gave him some special seeds.

Deacon retired to his bedroom to meditate. He thought now would be a good time to work on his breathing technique. Sitting cross legged on his bed, Deacon went deep within himself. He arrived in his familiar mindscape complete with his observatory’s worth of celestial bodies. There was no enormous grin here to greet him. Looking down at his guild mark on his right forearm he noticed the eye was still missing. Deacon wondered how much more soul energy would it take to wake Zageracks from his slumber.